NICU experience or wait?

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Hello,

I live in Southern California and there are only three schools that I can apply to for my CRNA MSN degree: Kaiser, Loma Linda, and USC.

I am at a cross roads at this time because I presently work on Medical-Surgical Unit. However, I have a job offer to enter a NICU.

I am concerned that if I obtain my ICU experience in a NICU, I may be limiting my school options further.

The other option I have to consider is to transfer to an adult-progressive care unit (PCU or step-down) work there for probably 6+ months, then transfer to an ICU to start my year of ICU experience.

What do you think I should do?

I know that USC accepts NICU experiences, Loma Linda may (based on individual consideration) and Kaiser does not.

Any advice??

Thanks!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

PCU to ICU would be the best option if your ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. There only a few CRNA schools that will take NICU experience.

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Anyone else? What do you think?

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Oh I wrote you a big long response but don't see it! Many people who start in peds stay in peds. But peds and adult icu are very different. Its not like changing from medical icu to surgical icu. That's not to say people don't transfer they do, I work with a nurse who did. They also get into crna school but you are limiting which schools u can apply to. When I interviewed the nicu nurse in our group was overwhelmed with the test they have us, as so much of it was based on adult icu care.

But again its not to say u can't do it.

Good luck with your choice

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If your goal is CRNA, get adult ICU experience! You will be much more marketable as a CRNA applicant than strictly NICU experience and keep in mind that your patient population as a CRNA will be mostly adults. The hemodynamics and co-morbidities will be different. CRNA applicants are very competitive in SoCal; a few of my friends had to go out of state to go to CRNA school. Good Luck!

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NICU is close to useless when it comes to being helpful for preparation to become a CRNA. It won't help you get into any program of which I am aware. I doubt USC counts it, unless it is just part of a much larger level of intensive care experience. If NICU is your only ICU experience, you need to broaden your scope of experience. Nothing against NICU nurses, they are great and God bless them for their important role, but it is not relevant for CRNA school.

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I am strictly a NICU experienced nurse and about to start CRNA school this fall. When I interviewed with two schools (both accepted me) - I was told NICU and PICU do very well in school. That is not to say that there are difficulties with transferring to adult patients during school, but it is not to discourage you from applying. I do plan on practicing in pediatrics when I graduate. Each interview panel said the PICU/NICU nurses are very detail oriented and do well in school. I have a friend with strictly NICU experience and is doing very well in CRNA school. Do not be discouraged on applying to school. I think it is up to who the person is and how well they adapt to change in patient care etc. Adult ICU is definitely encouraged and recommended but do not limit your application based on that alone.

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

ATX22. Where are you going to school at? I currently have 4 years NICU experience in a very busy level 3 (ECMO WBC, etc). In really love where I work and am hesitant to switch specialties. If I have to I will. I've found two schools I'm interested in but would love to hear from someone who has already applied and is in school now.

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